Daniel Ricciardo is one of the most active drivers on YouTube and regularly appears in interviews. This time with GQ Australia magazine.
And since we’re super nice, we translated the interview into English for you. Find the video right after.
What is your favorite circuit?
It’s Monaco. Why? Because there is no other circuit like it. There’s no room for error, and it’s hell, hell tailored for Formula 1.
What’s your oldest memory of F1?
Sitting on the couch watching F1 on TV. I was 3 years old. I was fascinated by the sound and speed.
What is your favorite city?
It’s complicated, but I will probably choose my birthplace, Perth, on the west coast. I grew up there; it’s a super beautiful city, and the coast is stunning.
You joined Optus as the Head of Optimism. What makes you feel optimistic right at this moment?
I have always been an optimistic person. I grew up under the sunshine of the West Coast, and I have my dream job, so it’s hard not to be optimistic and wake up differently in the morning.
What is your city of happiness?
I probably have several, but probably the United States. We go racing in Austin and whenever I go out there, there’s always a special atmosphere with music in every place.
The video of the interview from GQ Australia:
What is the best advice you have been given?
It’s the most basic and simple advice one can give, but also probably the most important: “Have fun.” If you enjoy what you’re doing, you will likely have more success.
How do you motivate yourself before the race?
I’m not the superstitious type of person but I always have a kind of routine before getting into the single-seater. The common point is always having music in my ears, which allows me to be isolated from everything happening around. You’ll always see me with my headphones on.
What is the worst thing about other drivers?
No doubt the lack of joy of living. Sure, we’re all here to win, but there’s always only one driver who can win per Grand Prix. Yet we all have a great life, and I sometimes feel it’s taken for granted; there are certain attitudes that I find unfortunate at times.
What was your first car?
I think they call them “trucks” in the United States but we call them “utes” [editor’s note: pickups]. I was always on the move or camping, and it was super convenient for carrying things in the bed. It was a Toyota Hilux.
What are you driving now?
I drive a Renault Mégane RS and also a Vespa because I live in Monaco and it’s the most practical.
When was your last speeding ticket?
It’s been a very long time since I’ve had a ticket. Probably at least 3 or 4 years. I’ve behaved well. In fact, we often get driven now. Which is quite strange for a driver. So I’m pretty good with avoiding tickets.
What is the city with the worst traffic?
London or Los Angeles. These are two cities where I often spend time and there are big traffic jams. That’s the least we can say.
Who is your biggest source of inspiration in life?
I believe there are many. Not just in F1. But definitely my parents. We often don’t realize it when we’re young, but I’m 31 now and looking back, I appreciate everything they’ve done for me and the lessons they’ve taught me.
What is difficult to cope with currently due to the lockdown?
I would probably say it’s the lack of crowds and people overall. I really enjoy being alone and sometimes isolating myself like I did when I was confined in Australia on my farm. That serenity is always nice. But I also love moments with an atmosphere, with music. I miss having company!
What do you expect from 2021?
I am waiting for a new start. I will be driving for McLaren. They are iconic in F1 and I have always wanted to race for them. It’s a team I have always respected and I am eagerly waiting to see if I can get closer to the driver’s title.
What is the best part of your job?
Without a doubt, winning a race. It’s quite the ultimate thing, but on a daily basis, I would say it’s more about traveling. We are very lucky.
What is the worst part of your job?
Overall there are more bad days than good ones in the sense that we don’t win often, so we often have broken hearts.
What does a shoey taste like [Editor’s note: drinking from a shoe on the podium]?
Haaaa. It’s like a rose. Actually, it doesn’t matter as long as the drink you put in it is cold, it cancels out the taste of the shoe!
